Page:New song, the fumbler detected, or, The cautious maid's escape.pdf/5

 But now he was free to make trial,

that none might have cause to reflect:

He did so without a denial,

but, ah! without any effect.

Now, after this he was dejected,

far worse than he had been before,

And seem'd to be almost distracted,

nor wish'd to see friends, any more;

But over the Ferry of Oster

he now would in haste bend his way

I begg'd that he would not so totter,

but with us continue to stay.

For I fear'd his friends and relations

would say I was wholly to blame;

And might raise some spiteful orations,

to blast with reproaches my name.

I therefore, with much kind persuasion,

prevail'd on my bridegroom to stay,

That I might cut off all occasion

for any against me to say.

But here I would have it be noted,

it was not from malice nor spite;

Nor am I with lust so besotted,

in coveting carnal delight:

The laudible thing that I aim at,

is only what first was design'd;

And therefore I need not think shame, that

I am for increasing mankind: